Southern Charmed Billionaire (26 page)

For Granddaddy, inspired by her.
 

And I knew what I needed to do to make everything right. To make my baby right. To make my life right.
 

They called love a drug for a reason.
 

It was the
height
of heights.
 

“Happy birthday Granddaddy. You’ve lived through eight decades.” I stopped for a moment to compose myself because I felt the emotion-filled lump in my throat, one building to face the unbearable fact that a man whom I loved like a dad, was soon to leave this Earth. I didn’t understand the concept of death. I still struggled with the fact my parents weren’t here. And now he was leaving.
 

But everyone was looking at me smiling raising their champagne flutes, waiting with earnest interest what I would say next.
 

“Eight decades. You loved grandmother with your whole heart. You’ve taught us all how to build an empire with your bare hands. You’re hardworking; you’re kind. You’re the man I hope I can be half of with my life.”
 

“Oh you will be son. You already are.” He called back to me from the crowd as they all chuckled.
 

“I just wanted you to know, Granddaddy, how much you mean to all of us. We love you. There’s no one like you.” My voice boomed into the grand hall as many cooed and awed at my speech, many wiping away tears. “In honor of you, and to honor your life, Granddaddy, I recorded and finished my EP for you. And as of this morning, it’s up on ITunes.”
 

The crowd applauded and cheered in pleasant kindness. I had waited years to say this. Years. And if it wasn’t for her, I knew I wouldn’t have found the inspiration.
 

And on that note, it was time. I scanned the sea of faces. If they were excited now, just wait one more beat.
 

I leaned into the microphone, the metal pressed up against my lips as I pursed them together for a dramatic pause.
 

“The song I wrote was inspired by someone who is extremely special to me. Who has a big heart, too. Who’s come to mean a great deal to me. Kate Longhouse, love knows love in an instant. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
 

Surprised gasps filled the room and I could feel the excitement in a tangible way. The electricity from the guests fueled my confidence.
 

“Kate Longhouse, there is and will be no other woman for me but you. Will you marry me?”
 

The question rang out as curious guests looked around to Kate.
 

“She’s the one responsible for the yummy cupcakes, which are gluten free and paleo by the way. Kate?”
 

I looked around and couldn’t find her. She was gone.
 

“Looks like your girlfriend has left the ball afraid of becoming a pumpkin like she is.” Brittany called out. I ignored her smiling at the guests.
 

“Looks like she might be in the ladies. Well, I have a woman who is in need of a ring on her finger. Excuse me, you all. To Granddaddy. Here, here.”
 

The festive jazz music immediately played on cue as I continued to look for her. I made a mad dash to her cupcake tables all the while hugging guests and shaking hands. Finally I found the table. Ashley, a frequently-used stylist in my family stood in front of the tables.
 

“You helped Kate, right?”
 

“I did. Um, she didn’t look too happy about that song you sang.”
 

My fists clenched and balled up by my sides. I just couldn’t leave the party right now. I needed every ounce of time with Granddaddy while he was still here. I’d regret it forever if I left his party early and only mere months from his death. I’d just have to track Kate down after the party.  
 

Or better yet plan something grand tomorrow. I had looked up all the attributes of Scorpio women. Sometimes they just needed pure time to sleep things off. When their
minds were made up, they were made up. Time to turn the tables. This nonsense and pretending needed to go away.
 

Chapter Twenty-Eight
 

Kate
 

A knock at the door revealed man in a suit. “Are you Kate Longhouse?”
 

“I am….” This better not be a reporter.
 

“Please sign here. This is for you. Thank you, miss.” The young man said and nodded as he handed me a sealed envelope with the stamp across: CONFIDENTIAL. He was a mail carrier. I’d always heard of them; people who privately delivered letters and parcels by hand. So this was how it was done.
 

Once inside, I tore open the envelope, curious and eager.
 

Dear Kate,
 

Thank you for attending my birthday party and for your delicious cupcakes. The world needs more joy and good things to behold.
 

Please allow me to invest into your company. It would be an honor to bring the Charleston people a bakery for the entire family, one that not only tastes good, but is actually good for you.
 

Please allow me to do this for you. Consider it a loan you can pay back at your own pace.
 

Your Friend,
 

Atticus Branch I
 

P.S. I think you need a store, Kate. One that can serve families rain or shine, cold or heat. A place that’s a treat, where dates come and people experience their first kiss. A place where children stop by after school or after a ball game. Think about it.  
 

A check floated out of the card.
 

Pay the Order of Kate Longhouse $100,000
 

Behind the check was a sticky note with another note.
I know you made these in the townhome kitchen. Please stay there as my personal guest as long as you like. I know you made them in love, and you like the kitchen. Please.
 

I stared at the check shaking my head as my hands shook. What was going on?
 

 “Who does this?” I cried out, tears spilling as I shook my head at the turn of events in bewilderment. As much as I was bewildered, I knew destiny was calling. I knew this was a gift I couldn’t ignore. I knew I had to take it. After all, there would be no more pregnancy faking. No more fake assistant.
 

Feeling weak in my legs, I collapsed into a chair crying, feeling overwhelmed in gratitude, shock, and fatigue. Sobbing happy tears, grateful tears, confused tears.
 

I wanted to start over. Here was my chance. Even after I told this man the very truth, he still believed in me. He still wanted to help me.
 

My heavy heart flooded out of my eyes and found its release past my throat as I sobbed grateful tears. I was just a girl from Brooklyn, a girl who ate ramen noodles and just needed to make it to next month.
 

Even after others had a field day with the rumor mill, this man still believed in me. And I couldn’t understand it one bit, except that this had to be destiny.
 

I hadn’t even looked to see if anyone had written any reviews of my cupcakes from his birthday party last night, or if there was any new gossip floating about me. But I didn’t dare to look. It was hard enough reading awful accusations of being a high-end escort. Last night had been so confusing and intense. I had turned off my phone until now.
 

My cell phone buzzed.
 

Atticus Branch, Granddaddy
 

Hi Kate, good afternoon. I have a meeting set up for us to discuss plans. Please be ready by 2pm. Bentley will arrive and take you.
 

I showered, dressed comfortably yet appropriately. I had a brand to represent.
My
brand.
 

Gosh, I couldn’t believe it. My thoughts were spinning with possibility as I considered all of the different directions I could take this bakery: the French look, the French country look, white hardwood floors… the minimalist look and then it struck: the design would be very similar to the townhome I was in.
 

But even in my excitement, I felt a pang of nervousness in my stomach. I still hadn’t heard from
him
.
 

He had to have known I was angry. I stormed out, leaving my cupcake stand and everything behind. Perhaps he had been so into his performance he hadn’t seen or heard the doors open with me leaving with the vengeance of a witch.
 

My life, as well as this situation, had grown very messy and complicated. I still couldn’t believe he had used my personal struggle in his song. Ugh. I had more important things to think about; like the direction of the bakery for starters.
 

I shook my head, dislodging my thoughts, and went back to a new sketchbook. My old one was just tainted with bad memories from the scandal. With my thoughts scribbling away and my piping hot tea, I went to work until the doorbell rang.  
 

Chapter Twenty-Nine
 

Kate
 

“Hello, Kate. Are you ready?”
 

“Hi, Bentley. Yes, thank you very much.”
 

I was quiet in the back of the car, very much locked in my zone with my earphones on. I still had not Googled, checked Instagram or any other social media outlets. I needed a social detox, and after this meeting with Atticus, and with the earned income from a few of the events Atticus the Third had paid me for, a vacation was in order. A beach one. Somewhere tropical. A warm paradise where I could escape. I needed it. Badly.
 

Finally the car stopped and I took out my earphones, letting Norah Jones’ Pandora station fall into my lap.
 

“Why have we stopped at a private airplane?”
 

“Mr. Branch is in the airplane waiting for you. He’s going to take you to your meeting.”
 

“Oh.”
Figures
. I was still getting used to the billionaire way of living. Of course meetings aren’t limited to just one city or state at this level of life. Heck, I’d learned that even living quarters aren’t to be limited to a one-hour radius. That’s why God had created flight. To be used in good measure and stewardship!
 

“Hello, Miss Longhouse. Right this way, ma’am.” A man I did not recognize opened the door and escorted me out of the car. “If you will follow me, right up these steps over here.”
 

Oh holy moly. I’d never been on a private jet before. It seemed a bit larger than most private jets. Of course it was! It belonged to…wait for it…billionaires. But it certainly looked like it could seat a whole football team!
 

“Mr. Branch is finishing up a phone call in his suite and will be with you in about thirty minutes in flight. Have a nice meeting.”
 

Standing next to the top of the boarding stairs was a suited woman. Smiling brightly, she held out a glass of champagne to me.
 

“Hello, Miss Longhouse. Welcome aflight. I’m Kendra, and I’ll be your assistant today. Champagne?” It was 3 P.M., too early for a drink.
 

Heck, it was five o’clock somewhere, right?
 

I accepted the glass. “Thank you.” Wow…this was something.
 

Opulent white leather seats sparkled like diamonds. These were the type of seats one feared spilling anything on. I was aboard the Rolls Royce of jets. I walked into a room that would be fit for a living room in any large home. Sofas, throw pillows, - I realized it was the welcoming foyer of the jet. There were even crystal vases with peonies in them. What a scene!
 

“Would you like anything special on? Television? Apple TV? Are their any shows you’re dying to catch up on in case Mr. Branch is detained in his meeting?”
 

I should brainstorm, I really should. But after all I’d been through in last few days, all that crying, feeling, blushing, lying, hiding and baking, it was nice to kick back and lounge in this uberly chic room. The heavy silk curtains that draped majestically over the windows infused me with the relaxed feeling of being in a 5-star- heck, 7-star hotel.
 

I sure felt cozy.
 

“You know, actually I started a show with my cousin. It’s called the
Paradise
. It’s an English show though, British television.”
 

Her face lit up with recognition. “Oh, I just loooooooved that show! I know exactly what you are talking about. I may even have to join you!”
 

“Ha! Well hopefully Mr. Branch won’t be hours-long on that phone call.”
 

“Right,” she said quickly, her face suddenly changing a bit while her smile remained. “Well, enjoy your champagne. We have plenty of where that came from!”
 

She switched to professional mode. “During take off, please take your seat over in one of the seats with seat buckles, and then once we are situated in air, I’ll come and let you know. Then you can take your cozy seat in one of those sofas over there.”
 

She spoke with the soothing nature of sweet tea. She really excelled at her role. I wondered if she met a lot of billionaires this way and if that was her aim for the position.
 

My family died in a private plane crash,
echoed around my brain in fearful altitudes.
 

The Champagne smiled at me.
I can help your fears.
 

That you can.
 

I quickly sipped the bubbles, nervously looking at my phone and gearing up for takeoff. I completely finished my glass in five minutes.